Lift-Off won’t return

The board of directors for Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off has decided to fold the event for good. The hot air balloon festival had been cancelled this year in order for the group to reorganize. (Photo/Facebook)

CORNWALL – The board of directors for Kinsmen Cornwall Lift-Off has made the “painful decision” not to continue the event.

“After examining the past and upcoming financial situation the Board of Directors’ has come to the realization that it would not be practical to continue operation as the financial status of the event does not permit progress,” board spokesman Terry Muir said in a statement.

He explained the red ink carried from 2013 made it “insurmountable” and the board wasn’t able to raise the money to cover that debt plus book entertainment.

Ontario’s only hot air balloon festival was grounded this year, seen as a big blow for the summer tourism industry.

Organizers had cancelled the event April 7, 2015 in hopes of reorganizing and addressing the debt issue.

But, sadly, that won’t be happening.

Lift-Off been around since 1994 and typically had attendance numbers of 50,000 to 55,000 over the four day event in July in Lamoureux Park.

“The Board of Directors would like to thank the many sponsors, volunteers and supporters that made the event possible for 20 years. Without you this festival would never have happened.”